An aggregation of online resources shaping climate awareness, offering up-to-date information and avenues for active involvement.
The looming threat of a climate crisis is increasingly evident, with headlines filled with accounts of natural disasters causing widespread devastation. Lives are being lost, and developmental efforts are encountering irreversible damage at every juncture. In the face of these challenges, it becomes imperative for individuals, policymakers, and activists to come together, utilising the multitude of resources at our disposal to proactively address the severe consequences of climate change before they reach an irreversible tipping point.
In this urgent context, the internet emerges as a pivotal ally, offering a diverse range of resources that enable individuals to understand, alleviate, and adapt to the changing climate conditions. From providing comprehensive data on current environmental situations to offering insights into innovative solutions, the online sphere serves as a central hub for knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts. In the subsequent sections, we will explore various online resources that not only contribute to staying well-informed but also play a crucial role in fostering collective action to effectively combat climate change.
IPCC
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issues comprehensive reports that evaluate the scientific understanding of climate change. Policymakers and individuals aiming for a profound comprehension of the present state of climate science refer to these reports to navigate the extensive information landscape on climate change. The bedrock of climate change resources can be established upon these reports, which cover the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as potential strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
The Guardian
The Environment section of The Guardian is dedicated to providing high-quality journalism that keeps its readers well-informed and engaged with the latest developments in climate change. It serves as a reliable source for breaking news and in-depth analysis of environmental issues, covering global climate discussions to local environmental initiatives that can serve as precedents worldwide.
Center for Climate Systems Research
The Center for Climate Systems Research at the Columbia Climate School is a dedicated platform engaged in advanced earth systems research. Working closely with NASA and various governmental and academic partners in earth, climate, and sustainability sciences, the centre aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders. Their focus is on both mitigating and adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate. Exploring their publications provides valuable insights into critical areas such as global climate modelling, global food security, atmospheric composition, and climate impacts. Keeping abreast of their research is an effective way to stay well-informed on these vital aspects of climate science.
Covering Climate Now
This platform serves as a useful resource for impactful and compelling climate reporting. Covering Climate Now is ideal for journalists or those involved in media coverage. The website offers valuable support in understanding essential best practices and provides resources for science-based reporting. Addressing climate change is a crucial responsibility for the media; climate change discussions span politics, weather, business, and culture. The mission of Covering Climate Now is to stimulate a public conversation that fosters an engaged and informed audience.
Carbon Brief
Carbon Brief is a website specialising in the science and policy of climate change. Recognised with awards for investigative journalism and data visualisation, this independent platform prioritises clarity and understanding. Research initiatives at Carbon Brief are funded by the European Climate Foundation which has allowed the organisation to use a data-driven approach to disseminate information visually. Through a combination of articles, graphics, and interactive features, it skillfully breaks down complex climate issues. For those seeking tangible insights, Carbon Brief provides a credible resource that merges journalistic excellence with a commitment to enhancing the public understanding of climate change.
Climate Action Tracker
The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is a crucial resource for assessing global efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change. In alignment with the Paris Agreement, CAT independently tracks, compares, and evaluates the emission reduction commitments of countries worldwide. This scientific analysis, produced by three research organisations since 2009, focuses on monitoring and analysing global efforts to limit warming below 2°C. Covering 32 countries, which collectively account for approximately 80% of global emissions, CAT rates governments based on emissions, excluding those from forestry. By separating historical emissions into two categories – forestry-related emissions and all emissions excluding forestry – CAT provides a clear signal of progress in reducing overall economic emissions. This approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of climate actions taken by countries around the world.
Climate Central
Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators, focuses on researching and reporting facts about our changing climate and its impact on people’s lives. Frequently recognised as one of the top resources for climate change, Climate Central provides a range of interactive tools, articles, and multimedia content. Additionally, the organisation produces localised maps for sea level rise and temperature, allowing users to explore potential impacts in specific regions. Through a combination of scientific expertise and accessible communication, Climate Central plays a vital role in enhancing public understanding of climate change and its implications.
Yale Climate Connections
Yale Climate Connections is an initiative of the Yale Center for Environmental Communication (YCEC) at the Yale School of the Environment. It is a nonpartisan, multimedia service dedicated to providing daily broadcast radio programming and original web-based reporting, commentary, and analysis on climate change. The platform’s overarching goal is to enhance public understanding of climate change by spotlighting diverse voices and perspectives. Covering an extensive range of topics, including science, policy, solutions, and the human dimensions of climate change, Yale Climate Connections features interviews with experts, scientists, activists, and community leaders. The content spans various formats, including articles, radio segments, and a podcast, creating a comprehensive resource that delves into the multifaceted aspects of climate change and its implications for society.
Climate Change Knowledge Portal
The Climate Change Knowledge Portal (CCKP) serves as a central hub for climate-related information, data, and tools within the World Bank Group (WBG). This online platform facilitates access to comprehensive climate change and development data, providing users with the necessary resources to analyse and integrate scientific information into decision-making processes. The CCKP excels in providing a seamless online environment that equips a diverse user base to apply scientific information in designing projects or policies.
Climatelinks
Climatelinks is a platform that documents and organises a diverse array of climate change resources worldwide. This includes tools, stories, events, and training relevant to climate change. Recognised as the global knowledge portal for climate and development practitioners, Climatelinks establishes a robust ecosystem covering various sectors impacted by climate change. From education and energy to agriculture, urban infrastructure, health, and adaptation, the platform provides a broad spectrum of resources for professionals across different domains.
TILclimate Podcast
Today I Learned (TIL) Climate is an acclaimed MIT podcast that dissects the science, technologies, and policies related to climate change. The podcast explores the impact of climate change on people and provides insights on potential solutions. Each concise episode, featuring real scientists and experts, offers clear explanations on the ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’ of climate change. The aim is to empower listeners with the information needed to make informed decisions about the future of the planet. These succinct audio shows distil complex climate change topics into easily understandable nuggets of information.
Online resources offer a vital gateway for everyone to stay informed and engaged in the ever-evolving landscape of climate change. They empower us to actively participate in addressing global environmental challenges, turning knowledge into meaningful action for a sustainable future.
